How and Why Laminated Glass Solutions Meet Expanding Hurricane Code Requirements

With hurricane-prone states adopting new building codes laminated glass with its many benefits takes on an increasingly critical role.
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Karin Tetlow

North Carolina
The 2000 IRC and IBC are in effect as part of the statewide building code with the 2003 versions to be enforced in January 2007. Windborne debris protection has been a challenging issue for the state for several years. The North Carolina Building Code Council had placed a moratorium on protection with the adoption of the 2000 IRC and IBC. Beginning January 1, 2006, the Council changed position and is requiring a 1,500 ft area from the coast for windborne debris protection. Enforcement is very limited as communities do not see or understand the need for it.

Virginia
Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code is based on the 2003 IRC and IBC. The state has required one mile of protection from the coast as its coast is in a 100 mph wind zone. It appears that there is limited enforcement of windborne debris protection at this time.

Maryland
The Maryland Building Performance Standards serve as a base for jurisdictions throughout the state, but each jurisdiction can strengthen or weaken the requirements. The Performance Standards use the 2003 IRC and IBC, with the 2006 versions being reviewed and adoption is expected late in 2007. Windborne debris protection would only be required one mile from the coast, as a 110 mph zone exists at shore areas. Enforcement at this time is not being done; only advisory information is being supplied.

Delaware
There is no statewide building code, but each county has defined a building code for use. The coastal area (Sussex county) has adopted the 2003 IRC and IBC and has been enforcing this code since March 2005. A 100 mph wind zone exists at the coast and a mile windborne debris protection is required. The enforcement level appears to be very high at this point.

New Jersey
A statewide building code is being enforced with a 2000 IRC and IBC as the basis. The 2006 version of the codes are being reviewed with adoption planned for early 2007. Windborne debris protection is required one mile from the coast and a 110 mphwind zone exists along the entire shoreline. The enforcement level of this protection appears to be very strong among the many coastal communities.

New York
The 2000 IRC and IBC are the basis for the New York State Building Code. A review of the 2003 IRC and IBC is in progress with adoption expected by January 2007. Windborne debris protection is required as the eastern end of Long Island is in a 120 mph wind zone and the remaining area of the island being in 110 mph zone. Enforcement of this protection appears to vary throughout the area.

Connecticut
The Connecticut State Building Code is in use with the 2003 IRC and IBC being the basis. The effective date was January 2006. Windborne debris protection is required only in the 120 mph wind zone and not in the 100 mph area. The 120 mph area is south of Interstate I-95. Local enforcement of this protection appears to vary throughout the area.

Rhode Island
The 2003 IRC and IBC are the basis for the Rhode Island statewide building code. Adoption of the IRC and IBC provision went into effect in January 2006. Windborne debris protection is required in the 120 and 110 mph wind zones with enforcement varying.

Massachusetts
The state has not adopted any version of the IRC and IBC. The 2003 IRC is being reviewed for one and two story residential structures. Three story buildings would be included in a review of the IBC. The IRC requirements are scheduled to go into effect in late 2006 on a voluntary basis and will become mandatory March 1, 2007. Windborne debris requirements are part of this code and will affect construction one mile from the shore as the state has a 110 mph wind zone at the coastline. The 2003 IBC will be reviewed later this year with adoption possible by late 2007.

Conclusion

The expansion of building code requirements in states along the hurricane-prone Atlantic and Gulf Coasts has generated a growing demand for impact resistant windows, doors, skylights, storefront and curtain wall systems that can resist damage from windborne debris. In response, manufacturers are expanding and adding innovation and variety to their lines of products. While a familiarity regarding the performance of these integrated glazing systems is important to specifiers, an understanding of the special benefits of impact resistant laminated glass is essential for the delivery of safer and more secure buildings.

 

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Originally published in Architectural Record.
Originally published in December 2006

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